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A. G. AND A. RONNING.

TRACTOR TRUCK.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 26. 1919.

1,393,972 Patented 0... 18, 1921.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

INVENTORS AND'REAN e RONNiNG ADOLPH RUNNING BY THEIR ATTORNEY asa na A. 0.1mm A. RONNING.

TRACTOR TRUCK.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 26,1919.

Patent-ed Oct. 18, 1921.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

III! llllllllli-E INVENTORS ANDREAN e RONNING ADOLPH RONNING BY THEIR ATTORNEY "A. G. AND A. RONNING. TRACTOR TRUCK. v AFPLICRVTIOINAFILED MAY 26;:1919. 1,393,972. Patented Oct. 18,1921.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

w 1/ I. if 56/ W 60 INVENTORS ANDREAN e ,R'ONNING ADOLPH RONNlNC-z' BY THEIR'ATT RN Y G.'AND A.RONNING.'

TRACTOR TRUCK. APPLICATIONIH ED MA Y26,1919.

1 972. Patented 0015.18, 1921" 5 SHEETS-SHEET 4 INVENTORS ANDREAN e. RONNING AD'OLPH RUNNING BY THEIR ATTORNEY A. G. AND A. RONNING.

TRACTOR TRUCK. APPLICATION man MAY 26 1919.

; Patented Oct. 18, 1921.

5 SHIEE-TS-SHEE'T 5.

mVEN-roR-s 'ANDR'EAN e Rouum'sfj ADOLPH RONNING v eY THEIR ATTORNEY-- AITDREAN BQNNIWG AND ADOLPH RONNING, F lKINNEAFOLIS,

MINNESGTA.

Y TRACTOR-TRUCK.

Specification of Letters Yatent.

Patentetll (Dot. 18., 1921.

application filed May 26, 1915. Serial No. 299,802.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, ANDREA}? G. RON- Xixc. and AnoLrH RONNING, citizens of the Tnited States, residing at Minneapolis, in the county of Hennepin and State of Minnesota, have invented certain, new and useful improvements in Tractor-Trucks, ofwhich the following is a specification.

Our invention relates to tractor trucks and the object is to provide z t-comparatively simple yet efficient traction ma'chineof such construction that it can be used as a single traction unit together with 'a wagon box for truck purposes, or as a double unit for traction purposes thus furnishing the relatively heavier traction power needed for such work. Further specific objects of the invention will be disclosed and described hereafter in this specification. The invention is clearly illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of the tractor used in the double unit construction. Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the single traction unit showing it as used'in connection with a wagon or truck box for truck purposes. Fig. 3 is a top view of the construct-ion .shown in 2, but with the greater partof the truck box and severai other elements omitted. Fig. i is a sectional detail view on the line -i in Fig. 5 is a partly sectional detail view of the draft equalizing device used in the doubie unit construction. Fig. 6 shows a modification of thesingle unit tractor as it may be constructed or altered for tractor purposes as a single unit. Fig. 7 is an enlarged vertical diametrical detail section of the hub used in each traction wheel. Fig. 8 is a top view of a portion of Fig. 6 showing modification of the structure shown in 9. Fig. 9 is a simplified top view of the singie unit tractor showing the general structure of the steering mechanism. In both Figs. 8 and 9 the steering post 1 is shown in section, the steering wheel 2 not being shown in order that the parts underneath might more easily be illustrated. Fig. 10 is a top view ofthe double unit construction showing the method of steering both units'simultaneously and illustrating; the method of double unit controls. Fig/11 is a top view of the single unit tractor showing a modification in which the steering device is adapted to actuate. the front wheels. Fig. 12 is a detail view showing a preferable form of hitching mechanism adapted to be used in the tractor truck for securing the wagon truck to the tractor unit. Fig. is a top view of the right end portion of Fig. 12. For the purpose of avoiding confusion the specification and claims will hereinafter refer to the doubie tractor construction shown in Fig. i as a double unit tractor; to the tractor and box construction shown in Figs. 2 and 3 as a tractor truck; to the single unit tractor as a tractor or tractor unit.

Referring to the drawings by reference numerals, 3 designates the main frame or body of the tractor, in the front end of which is located an engine or motor having a carbureter 5. Each tractor unit is provided with two traction or drive wheels 6 having spokes 7 and hubs 8. Power transmitted from the engine A} through any suitable gearing construction 9 (a simp'ie but illustrative arrangement being shown in Fig. 3) to the shaft 10, part of which is broken away in Fig. 3. Each end of said shaft 10 is provided with a pinion 11 which meshes with 12, both of which inclosec. 7 Said casing 13 also forms th i bearing for the wheat 6. Viiti H axis portion of the casing 13 is jot. i )ller bearings 14 a shaft 15 (see a nch is secured at one end in the hub of too gear 12 and has its other end connected t the universal joint 16, 1?. Thus the hub 8 is brought into operative and universal connection with the shaft 15. A bearing collar 18 is pivotally secured to the casing hub 13 by two vertical pivots 19. The hub 8 rotates on said bearing collar 18 which is provided with roller bearings 20. The vertical pivots 19.allow' a swinging or steering movement of the wheel. 6. steering mechanism for the wheelsconsists of two iever arms 21, one on each wheel and being integral with the bearing collar 18. Said lever arms 21 are pivotally connected by link bar 22 so that the lever arms 21 will move simultaneously. The steering post 1, having the steering wheel 2, is provided at its lower end with a worm screw 23 adapted to mesh with a worm pinion 24 (see 8 and 9). Said pinion 24 is slidably secured on a shaft 25 as is also a crank arm 26, the shaft 25 being journaled in two brackets 27, 28. The crank arm 26 is connected to one of the lever arm-s21 by a link 29 see Fig. 7) each end of which is provided with similar double joints 30 for the purpose of pen mitting the opposite swinging movements of the arms 26 and 21:. From the above description the swinging or steering. of the traction wheels 6 by the steering wheel 2 and steering post 1 is clear. 'The objectof slidably securing the worm. pinion 24 and the arm 26 on the shaft 25 is to be able to utilize the same steering mechanism when the tractor is to be used as a single unit asshown' in Figs. 6 and 8. The steering post 1 with the worm 23 must also be moved together with the pinion 24.

- When the tractor is to be used as a single unit requiring four wheels, the same traction wheels 6, as above-described may be used but are moved to the rear end of the machine, and two smaller wheels 31 (see Fig. 6') are placed at the front end of the tractor frame. In this case however the pinions 11 and gears 12 (see Fig. 3) are substituted by sprocket pinions 32 and sprocket gears 33 respec tively (see-Fig. 8), and are operatively ,connected by sprocket chains 34.

In Figs. 2 and 3 are illustrated the structure of the tractor truck. wheeled single unit tractor is used in connection with a box 35 mounted upon two wheels 36. The axle 36 of the wheels 36 acts' as a pivot for tilting the box 35 for-- clear that the connecting element 37 is of two spaced bars, between which are two castings 68 having ears adapted to fit over the lugs 3 A sliding rod 69 having two engaging hooks is mounted in theconn'ection 37 and has its rear end pivotally connected at 71 to a hand lever 72. A small drum 73 is also mounted between the bars 37 and is provided with'aha-nd crank 74 and a tooth and dog arrangement 75. A.

rope 76 secured to said drum 73 is passed over a pulley .77, alsomounted in the con-. 'necting element 37, and has its end secured to the tractor-frame at 78. Thus when it is desired to connect the truck with the tractor the connecting shaft 37 canbe lifted up by the crank arrangement until it is in place when the lever 72 is pushed forward causing the hook extensions 70 to lock the castings 68, to the lugs 3 of the tractor.

The device for dumping the box 35 forward is shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 4. A friction clutch 39 having a small drum or spool 40 is mounted upon the front end of the drive shaft 41 of the engine in the tractor. The clutch is opened and closed by a lever pulley 46 in a bracket 47 on the tractor, then In this case a twoarm 42, which by means of a link connection 43 is actuated by a hand lever 44. A cable 45 secured to the drum 40 passes up over a down under a pulley 48 in a bracket 49 se- 70 cured to the underside of the rear end of the box 35. The construction of the bracket 49 is shown inFig. 4. As is there shown arecess is provided in the bracket for engaging the pole or shaft 37, the same being held. therein by a spring held pivoted catch i 50 which can be released only by pulling the cable 45 the end of which is attached to said catch at 51.

When it is desired to dump the box, the

clutch 39 .is closed by the hand lever 44 thus 'the clutch is released and the box falls back .snappinginto position over the shaft 37.

In the double unit tractor a draft equalizer and power regulatoris used, the construction of which is shownin Figs. 1 and 5. In this eventthe-rear unit is provided with a holder 38 (the same as that shown in the tractor unit in Fig. 2) having a longitudinal aperture 52, in, the front portion of which is slidably held the rear end of a con- 'necting shaft 53, and in the rear part of which is slidably mounted a draft bar 54.. The connecting shaft 53 is secured to the fronttractor unit by a connection shown in Fig. 5,1which, because of the pivot 53, permits a relatively rocking. movement of the two tractor units. The draft bar 54 is provided with a downward extension 55, having the usual'clevis holes 56,'and in the lower end of which is mounted a pulley 57, over which is passed a cable .58, one end being secured at-59 to the holder 38 and the other end secured to a collar 60 fixed on the connecting shaft 53. Thus the power from'llo both tractor units will be equalized in the [draft bar 55.

But no matter how well the speeds of the two motors will be regulated or adjusted it is expectedithat a slight variance of power under normal conditions will be had. To overcome this difficulty we provide a power regulator as shown in Fig. 1. This consists of a rockerarm 61 pivotally mounted at 62 to a bracket 63, and'having its lower end 'bifurcated to engage an annular groove be-- tween two collars 64 fixed on the connecting shaft 53. The upper end of the rocker arm 61 by means of a link connection 65 controls a gas valve in the carbureter 5. Thus if the front tractor unit should either slow up or increase in speed relative to the rear tractor unit the device just described will decrease or increase the flow of gas to the engine in the rear unit as the case may be, which will swinging movements t -Turning of the shaft in turn adjust the rear unit to equal i'ront tractor unit by a she l tends back n slotted exteus f t being g .l by a mfurcated end of a of the rod Siis prov which meshes with 5i pinion Thus the slotted C6111" varying in dis" L ictor units. while reverse the steering wheels to those of e wh similarly cons cted con.

is also shown 1n 10. ling rod may have one or joints such as 95, to allow L. s required. -ng rod i ach controluniversal re opposite e tractor units in steering. ith two power units such as described it is necessary to use controls of this kind for all controlling purposes but those shown are sutlicient for sake of illustration. In Fig. 10 is shown aiso how bevel gears 86 and 87 can replace the worm steering arrangement as shown in 8 and 9.

in Fig. 11 is illustrated how the steering arrangement can be aoplied to the front wheels in the single ctor. traction wheels in this case do have the hub construction shown 7. but are common construction and driven by sprocket gears and chains in the same n anner described for the single tractor shown Fig. 6. The shaft 25 is here replaced by a longer shaft 25. which is provided i s front end with a crank arm 88. Each of the front wheel hubs is pivotall mounted at 89 and crank arms 90 which are connected by a link 91. One of the wheel. hubs is 1 0 provided with a crank arm 92 which is pivotally connected by a link 93 to the crank arm 88. bf. the steering wheel (omitted in 11) will tins turn the front wheels and stee t actor.

The hitching device shown Figs. 12

and 13 is also a very adaptable construction for using when it is desired to hitch to the tractor other Vehicles or machinery such as plows, cultivators, etc. i It is understood that the above combinations can be used in a variety of forms and structures it within the scope of the appended claims.

Having now therefore fully shown and de scribed our invention, what we claim to be new and desire to protect by Letters Patent is: r

1. A double unit tractor consisting oi two tractor units one in front of the o her. an engine in each unit, two drive wheels supporting each tractor unit and adapted to be driven by the respective unit engines. a con necking shaft secured to the front unit and siidaoly mounted in the rear unit. means for equalizing the draft between said two tractor units.

2. A double unit tractor cortwo power operated tractor units in front of the other, a conneeti cured at its front end to the A unit. a holder having a longitud secured to the rear tractor and ata pulleymounted in said passing over said pulley and hr its ends secured to said co the other end secured to e; 3. A double unit tract consi tra tor units positioned other, engine in each t; connecting shaft secured to the unit and slidably support 'i tor unit a carhuretercured to the rear tractor unit tively connected with said conne; whereby said carburetor will he cally adjusted as said conn ct sumcs various positions to operatomati snattt asrear tractor unit.

4. A double unit tractor cons of two tractor units one in front of tractor wheels supporting and adapted to steer the s. e, ste arms xtending the hubs sair ink ha' pivotally secured it. tecring arms on each u;-. a man a o) L( L aiti or; ll. erael seermg sh not upon e rear tractor unit and operativeiy conot-0.1 :lo 1; s e a 1 c ncctcc LO his s eenng arms or it. iee s or said tractor unit. a seconnary steering shatt.

journaled with one end in each tractor unit and operatively connected to the steering arms of the front tractor wheels. means for rotating said steering shafts in opposite directions, said secondary steering shaft being in two sections slidaoly secured together for the purpose specified.

A double unit tractor consisti g of two wheel supportedtra-ctor un' positioned one in front of the other, an e tie in each tractor unit, a connecting sh tractor unit and slidably suppo other tractor uni, a lever pirotail r mounted to one tractor unit, and having end operatively connected to the powe controlling element of the engine in said tor unit the other end of said lever bei operatively connected to said connect m shaft.

6. A double unit tractor consi of two wheel supported tractor units positioned one in front of the other, an engine each tractor unit, a connecting-shaft secured to the front tractor unit and slidably supported in said connecting shaf 7. A double unit tractor consisting of two wheel supported power operated tractor shaft.

units positioned one in front of the other, a connecting shaft secured'at its front end to the front tractor unit and havin'g'its rearend slidably supported in a longitudinal recess in the rear tractor unit, a draft bar slidably-supported in said rear tractor unit, equalizing .mechanism whereby the draft on said draft bar will be equal from each tractor unit.

8. A double unit tractor consisting of two wheel supported power operated tractor units positioned one in front of the other, a

connecting shaft secured at one end to the.

front tractor unit and having its rear end supported in a longitudinal recess in the rear tractor unit, a draft bar slidably supported in said rear tractor unit, a pulley mounted in said draft bar, a cable passing over said pulley and having one of its ends secured to said rear tractor unit and having its other I end secured to said connecting 9. A double unit tractor consisting of two wheel supported tractor units positioned one in front of the other, a gas engine in each tractor unit, a connecting shaft secured to the front tractor unit and slidably supported in the rear tractor unit, a lever pivotally mounted on the rear tractor unit, a carbureter adjustin device connected to one end of said lever, the other end of said lever being operatively connected to said connecting shaft.

10. A double unit tractor consisting of two tractor units positioned one in front of the other, traction wheels supporting each tractor unit, a steering mechanism on the rear tractor unit adapted to steer the wheels thereof, means for steering the wheels of ,the front tractor unit and operative connecv tor unit and adapted to steer the same, steertion between the same and said steering mechanism, whereby the wheels of the respective tractor units will be simultaneously steered in op osite direct-ions.

11. A doub e unit tractor consisting of two tractor units positioned one in front of the other, traction wheels supporting each tracing arms extending from the hubs of said wheels, asteering post and operative connection between the same and said steering arms, whereby the wheels of the respective tractor units will be simultaneously steered in opposite directions.

12. A double unit. tractor consisting of two tractor units positioned one-in front of the other, traction wheels supporting each tractor unit and adapted to steer the same, steering arms extending from the hubs of said arms whereby the wheelsof the respective tractor units will be simultaneously steered in opposite directions.

13. A double unit tractor consisting of two tractor units positioned one in front of the other, traction wheels sup )o'rting'each tractor unit and adapted to e simultaneously steered in opposite directions, a steering mechanism on the rear tractor unit adapted to steer the wheels thereof, means for steering the wheels of the front tractor unit, a steering shaft operatively connecting .said

steering mechanism and said steering means.

14. A double unit tractor consisting of two tractor units positioned one in front of theother, traction wheels supporting each tractor unit and adapted to be simultaneously steered in opposite directions, a steering mechanism on the rear tractor unit adapted to steer the wheels thereof, means for steering the wheels of the front tractor unit, a steering shaft operatively connect-ing said steering mechanism and said steering means, said steering shaft consisting of two sections slidably secured together.

15. A double unit tractor consisting of two power operated wheel supported units positioned one in front of the other, means for connecting said tractor units, an engine in each tractor unit and mechanism for con-- trolling the same, operative connection between said c'onnecting means and one of said engine controlling mechanisms. a

16. A double unit tractor consistingof two tractor units positioned one in front of the other, an engine in each tractor unit, traction wheels supporting each tractor unit and adapted to be driven by saidengines, a mechanism for adjusting the power and speed of the engine in one tractor unit and operative connection between said mechanism and the other tractor unit, whereby variance in distance between the tractor units will actuate said adjusting mechanism.

17. 'Adouble unit tractor consisting of two wheel supported tractor units positioned one in front of the other, an engine in each tractor unit, a connecting shaft secured in one tractor unit and slidably supported in the other tractorunit, an engine adjusting mechanism in said second mentioned tractor unit and operative connection between said mechanism and said connecting shaft. i i i 18, A double unit tractor consisting of two tractor units positioned one in frontof the other, traction wheels supporting each tractor unit, a steering mechanism on one tractor unit adapted to steer the Wheels thereof, means for steering the Wheels of the other tractor unit and operative connection between the same and said steering mechanism, whereby the wheels of the respective tractor units will be simultaneously steered in opposite directions.

19. A double unit vehicle consisting of two frames positioned one in front of the other, each frame being transversely pivotally mounted on suitable supporting wheels, connecting means between said vehicles adapted to retain said frames in constant longitudinal alinement, a longitudinal pivot adapted to secure said connecting means to one of said units.

' 20. A double unit structure consisting of two vehicles positioned one in front of the other, supporting wheels adapted to carry each of the .vehicles, vsaid wheels being adapted to be turned on vertical pivots so as to steer the structure, and a connecting de vice between the vehicles for maintaining them in constant longitudinal alinement, said connecting device permitting relatively transverse rocking motion of the vehicles.

21. A double unit vehicle consisting of two frames positioned one in front of the other, said frames beingtiltably supported on suitable ground Wheels, means for connecting the frames and retaining them in constant longitudinal alinement, said means comprising a longitudinal pivot device adapted to permit relatively transverse rocking motion between the frames.

In testimony whereof We affix our-signa-.

tures:

ANDREAN G. RONNING. ADOLPH RONNING. 

